TheNewsGuru

Tag: Cote D’Ivoire

  • AFCON 2023: Nigerian Journalists, others covering tournament involved in bus accident

    AFCON 2023: Nigerian Journalists, others covering tournament involved in bus accident

    Nigerian Journalists and others covering the 2023 AFCON were on Wednesday morning involved in an accident on their way back from Yamoussoukro a three hour journey from Abidjan.

    The Journalist left the Media Center in the bus attached to media men covering the tournament  in Abidjan to travel to Yamoussoukro to watch Senegal vs Guinea in order to give reports.

    However, on their way back home around 2;30am  the media bus collided with a building  and it got damaged.

    Report has it that many of the journalists who were already asleep woke up to a loud bang and suspecting explosion decided to escape through the bus window.

    As a  result of the accident, many journalist onboard suffered severe and mild injuries but were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for proper medical care.

    One of the affected Nigerian journalist, Oyediji Oluwaseun  took to twitter to relay his experience, while also thanking God for sparing their lives.

    See TWEET Below:

  • AFCON 2023: Why Equatorial Guinea defeated us 4:0 – Côte d’Ivoire coach explains

    AFCON 2023: Why Equatorial Guinea defeated us 4:0 – Côte d’Ivoire coach explains

    Côte d’Ivoire head coach, Jean-Louis Gasset has explained why his team were thrashed 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea in their final match of Group A in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.

    Gasset, who described the outcome of the match as a nightmare, suggested that Ivory Coast were not efficient in front of goal against Equatorial Guinea.

    According to him, Equatorial Guinea gave his team a real lesson.

    “It is a nightmare,” Gasset said at his post-match press interview.

    “We had prepared well for this match and we got into this match well by going after them and setting the pace.

    “We had possession and opportunities, but we couldn’t score. On the other hand, the slightest mini-chance for our opponents turned into a goal.

    “In football, you have to be efficient. Equatorial Guinea gave us a lesson in realism.”

    He added, “Do I still believe we can qualify? Obviously.

    “We won one match out of three, we have people who are behind us. But when you wait for the results of others, that is not a good sign.”

    Ivory Coast will still secure a place in the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams if Cameroon fail to beat Gambia on Tuesday.

  • AFCON 2023: Abidjan agog as Super Eagles tackles Côte d’Ivoire today

    AFCON 2023: Abidjan agog as Super Eagles tackles Côte d’Ivoire today

    The streets of Cote d’Ivoire’s commercial capital Abidjan was agog on Wednesday, as fans discuss and anticipate the epic clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday.

    The match is the second for both teams in Group A of the on-going 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Ivorian fans draped in their orange-white-and-green flags were seen dancing, while joints blare music and big screens dot all corners of the city.

    “We are ready for the match (tomorrow) against Nigeria, this is going to be a very interesting match because both countries are super powers in African football.

    “I am confident we will beat Nigeria tomorrow,” Yao Kouassi who owns a bar in the city told NAN.

    Aminata Kouadio who owns a restaurant close to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, said business has been good since the start of the tournament.

    She expressed confidence in the ability of the Elephants to trample on the Super Eagles on Thursday.

    “Our team will trample on your Eagles tomorrow,” she said in a smattering of English.

    Some Nigerians resident in the city also said the Super Eagles had all it takes to defeat Cote d’Ivoire, only if they up their game.

    Emmanuel Okafor, a business man resident in the city said the Nigerian community will be going to the stadium to support the Super Eagles, in spite of the economic crunch.

    “I have been  living here for more than six years, so I know the city very well, it is always like this when there is a major football match.

    “So I want to appeal to our players to do us proud tomorrow. We’ll be going to the stadium to support them all the way,”he said.

    The match comes up at 5 pm (local time) at the 60,000 capacity Alassane  Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

  • AFCON reporter’s diary: How life is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire [Part 1]

    AFCON reporter’s diary: How life is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire [Part 1]

    Abidjan is one of the major cities of Côte d’Ivoire. The city presents two beautiful stadiums for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and by extension houses eight of the teams participating in the tournament.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reporter, Abimbola Fabunmi currently in Abidjan for the coverage of Africa’s most glamorous competition, gives readers insights about happenings and day to day events in Ivory Coast.

    According to statistics made available to TNG reporter, there are over two million Nigerians living in various cities in Ivory Coast.

    Yoruba: The domineering tribe

    Findings by this reporter show that the Yorubas are the domineering Nigerian tribe in Ivory Coast and followed distantly by the Igbos.

    The number of Nigerian Hausas living in the West African country are very minute, compared to the Yorubas and Igbos living in the country.

    It was gathered that Osun State in Nigeria has the largest share of Nigerians living in the country with the bulk of them forming a community known as Temidire and St Mitchel by the locals of Ivory Coast.

    Ejigbo in Osun State is the most popular Nigerian town here in Ivory Coast as the bulk of Nigerian Yorubas living here are from that part of Nigeria.

    Businesses Nigerians do in Ivory Coast

    Checks by TNG reporter in Abidjan show that Nigerians are involved in petty businesses as well as big trade.

    It was observed that many of the big shops selling clothes, raw food items, drinks and what have you are owned by Nigerians.

    It was further learned that many tailoring and cobbling shops in Abidjan are being operated by Nigerians.

    Nigerian food on high demand

    In Ivory Coast, food is largely available as the nationals as well as the foreigners sell food at every corner and junction.

    There are different types of Nigerian and Ivorian food on display and the prices are relatively cheap and very affordable.

    Chicken and Fish very plenty in Ivory Coast

    Roasted Chicken and fish are readily available at every nook and cranny in Abidjan and other cities in Ivory Coast.

    A full roasted and spiced chicken goes for as low as 4000 CFA while the half of it costs 2000 CFA.

    A full roasted fish goes for 2000 CFA and it’s visible everywhere in the country.

    Power Supply is 24/7

    Since the arrival of the TNG reporter in Abidjan, power supply has been 100% stable. Upon enquiry, it was realised that the country’s power system is one of the best in Africa.

    Ivorians who are on estimated bills pay once in two months for power, while those on pre-paid meter use their cards the way they like it.

    Water supply by the government

    No boreholes or wells in the country. The Ivory Coast Water Corporation supplies all houses water and it runs for 20 hours a day.

    People living here pay for water bills once in three months to the Ivorian government.

    Ivory Coast: Home of many African nationals

    Apart from the two million Nigerians currently residing here in Ivory Coast, there are other nationals living and earning a living in the country.

    Persons from Guinea, Mali Senegal, Mauritania, Ghana Togo and Benin are scattered all over the country going about their lawful activities in the country.

    Naira no longer a darling

    The Nigerian currency has not only lost its value against the dollar, it has also lost its battle against virtually all currencies on the continent.

    In time past the Nigerian Currency was in high demand in the country, according to reports from Ivorians, Nigerians and other nationals in the country.

    The TNG reporter was told that anyone was free to trade with the Naira because of its high value.

    However, the reverse is now the case as the Naira now exchanges for 1000-500 CFA, thus making the CFA twice as powerful as the Naira.

    Transportation system similar to that of Lagos

    There is public transport in the country and it offers cheaper fares compared to private and taxi in the country.

    It was surprising to see that there are conductors too in Abidjan as many of them scamper for passengers like their counterparts in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Yango like Uber in Ivory Coast

    In Ivory Coast, the transportation app is known as Yango. It’s the equivalent of Uber, Bolt and Taxify in Nigeria.

    However, the Yango charge exorbitantly here that many prefer to use public transportation.

    Here in Abidjan, they also have their own version of BRT buses, but unlike in Nigeria where you have to obtain a bus card, you pay for a ticket on entering the bus in Ivory Coast.

     

    Watch out for Part 2

  • AFCON 2023: We will cage Super Eagles – Côte d’Ivoire coach boasts

    AFCON 2023: We will cage Super Eagles – Côte d’Ivoire coach boasts

    Head Coach of the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, Jean Louis Gasset says his team is confident of clipping the wings of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their epic clash on Thursday in Abidjan.

    The coach said this on Tuesday at a news conference, ahead of the match on Thursday in Abidjan.

    He said the technical team has done it’s home work and has a perfect plan on how to neutralise the strength of the Super Eagles, which lies in their potent attack force.

    “Regarding our second match, we know the strengths of Nigeria, they have an impressive offensive armada.

    “They have the best African player in their squad, but against them, we will have to raise our game, and I know my players will do it because I know you have  to win that first game to be released,” he said.

    The Elephants of Cote D’ivoire defeated Guinea-Bissau in their opening match by 2-0, to shoot to the top of Group A with three points.

    While the Super Eagles struggled to a 1-1 draw against lowly rated Equatorial Guinea in their opening encounter to sit third on the table, jointly on one point with Equatorial Guinea.

    The match will take place at the 60,000 capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

  • AFCON 2023: How we can defeat Côte d’Ivoire – Super Eagles coach, Peseiro

    AFCON 2023: How we can defeat Côte d’Ivoire – Super Eagles coach, Peseiro

    Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has emphasised the need for the team to convert their chances in the second match against hosts Côte d’Ivoire at the ongoing 2023 AFCON.

    Peseiro, who said this in an interview on Tuesday in Abidjan, ahead of the crucial clash on Thursday against the Ivorians, rued the missed chances against Equatorial Guinea in their opening match.

    The Super Eagles coach assured of a more composed outing against the Ivorians, who currently top the group.

    “Our team created a lot of chances in our last game, but we scored only one goal.

    “If you want to win AFCON, you must be ready to face tough oppositions. So, we are ready, Cote d’Ivoire is a good team and one of the favourites.

    “If we create the same opportunities and take our chances, then we have a better chance of winning against Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.

    The gaffer said the technical crew was working round the clock to perfect strategies and ensure victory in the make or mar match.

    He, however, appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the team and not engage in criticism that could dampen the morale of the players.

    The team struggled to convert the numerous chances created in their 1-1 draw against a resilient Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

  • Côte d’Ivoire spent more than $1b to organise AFCON 2023 – Official

    Côte d’Ivoire spent more than $1b to organise AFCON 2023 – Official

    Amb. Kalilou Traore, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, has said his country spent more than US$1 billion to organise the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition.

    Traore made this known during an interview on sideline of the official unveiling ceremony of the ‘AFCON Village’ on Saturday night in Abuja, saying the AFCON village was set up in partnership with Continental Hotels.

    He said the facility will transmit live matches till the end of the tournament, which kicked off in Cote d’Ivoire with 24 countries seeking for the continent’s most coveted football trophy on Feb. 11.

    “The government of Côte d’Ivoire has spent more than US$1 billion to organise it. Most of the investment were designed to solve logistics issues like transportation, hotels, security and many others.

    “Right now, I was in touch with many people in Abidjan and they were saying that life is so good now in Abidjan.

    “So things are going very well and we pray God that it will continue like this till the end of AFCON.

    “Football tournament is an occasion for people to meet and when we meet we can talk about everything, particularly how to let things move forward.

    “When we meet, when we discuss all issues, we can solve lots of problems, so the power of football is to gather people and when they are together, we can solve problems.”

    The envoy described Côte d’Ivoire as a country of hospitality and peace, since its first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s philosophy of peace, dialogue and prosperity for people.

    Traore reiterated that the country had continued to leave no stone unturned to do its beat to unite the whole of Africa.

    “In Côte d’Ivoire right now, President Alassane Ouattara’s government has all Ivorians mobilised to make this AFCON the best ever organised since the past.

    “We as the Ivorian mission in Nigeria will implement this directive, to unite people, to make this occasion one of fraternity and friendship.

    “This is why we have organised here in Abuja the AFCON village with our partner, Continental Hotel. Throughout the tournament we will be here with all our friends.

    “To view all the matches and support all the teams; I wish that the best team wins this cup,” Traore said.

  • Côte d’Ivoire sets up ‘AFCON Village’ in Abuja

    Côte d’Ivoire sets up ‘AFCON Village’ in Abuja

    Amb. Kalilou Traore, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, on Saturday unveiled the ‘AFCON Village’ in Abuja, set up to enable football enthusiasts to watch live matches of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition.

    The tournament kicked off in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday with 24 countries seeking for the continent’s most coveted football trophy.

    Traore said the AFCON village, set up in partnership with Continental Hotels, will transmit live matches till the end of the tournament on February 11.

    According to the envoy, the event attended by members of the diplomatic corps, is a testament of the remarkable example of African solidarity and unity.

    “I would like to salute the presence of the diplomatic corps and all our guests and the diaspora for your presence alongside us.

    “I wish all participating teams good luck in the competition; may this African Cup of Nations be a moment of celebration, fair play and fraternity between African nations.

    “I invite you to take full advantage of this evening and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of AFCON 2023, the opening ceremony and the first match between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.

    “May this event strengthen the ties between our countries and leave a positive legacy for African football,” the envoy said.

    Traore assured that the tournament would live up to its billing as the host government and the people of Cote d’Ivoire had fully mobilised to showcase “the most beautiful AFCON ever organised”.

    “Massive investments have been made and attendance are already breaking all records. The Cote d’Ivoire Embassy in Nigeria could not remain on the side line of this great mass.

    “Thus, all matches of the competition will be broadcast throughout this month in the AFCON village in Abuja in collaboration with our partner Abuja Continental Hotel”.

    He appreciated the hotel management and Nigerian authorities for their support towards the setting up of the AFCON village.

    In his speech, Mr Javier Sanchez, General Manager, Abuja Continental hotel, said the partnership with the embassy was to contribute to the success of the tournament.

    “Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire as the hosting country of this event really ppushed s to go ahead with this, we were planning to do it, but they gave us the push to put all these up,” he said.

    The event attracted officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic community, and private organisations.

  • VIDEO: Watch as jubilant Ivorians storm streets following Côte d’Ivoire’s win against Guinea Bissau

    VIDEO: Watch as jubilant Ivorians storm streets following Côte d’Ivoire’s win against Guinea Bissau

    Following Côte d’Ivoire’s win against Guinea Bissau in the opening match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ivorians stormed the streets to celebrate the victory.

    Recall TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) report that Seko Fofana ensured the hosts started the way they meant to go on before Jean-Philippe Krasso doubled the score, making Côte d’Ivoire top Group A.

    Group A has the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Côte d’Ivoire.

    In a video by our correspondent, jubilant Ivorians crowded the streets while chanting songs of victory.

    Watch video below:

     

     

     

  • AFCON 2023: Just like Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire hit by injury worries

    AFCON 2023: Just like Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire hit by injury worries

    Cote d’Ivoire Head Coach, Jean-Louis Gasset has ruled out striker Sebastian Haller from Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener against Guinea Bissau, due to ankle injury.

    Gasset disclosed this on Friday in Abidjan at a news conference, ahead of their opening match of the tournament.

    The gaffer added that the availability of the Borussia Dortmund striker for their second Group A game against Nigeria was also doubtful, as he continues to recover from the injury.

    He said there were also fitness concerns for forward Nicolas Pepe, who was recently recalled to the squad, as he’s also struggling with a knee injury.

    “Pepe played 30 minutes in last Saturday’s friendly (a 5-1 win over Sierra Leone), but is still not fully fit.

    “He suffered a knee injury at Trabzonspor in December (2023) and we have been bringing him along slowly,” he explained.

    Pepe plays in the same club with Super Eagles Paul Onuachu,  who was drafted as a late replacement for injured striker Sadiq Umar on Friday.

    Gasset had never been to the continent before taking the job, but 20 months on from his appointment, he has been charged with winning the AFCON for the home nation.

    Gasset, with extensive Ligue 1 experience and formerly an assistant coach of France under Laurent Blanc, said it had been both a swift learning experience and an exciting challenge, which he relishes.

    “I want to savour the event and appreciate the environment and the experience.

    “We feel the pressure, but I don’t think it’s an additional pressure. My objective is to turn this pressure into something positive, a drive to give us confidence.

    “This pressure has a very good aspect to it and we must take advantage of it, and this is the message I’ve been giving my squad,” he said.

    Gasset warned, however, of the quality of Guinea Bissau players, who were yet to win a game at the finals and are 103rd in the FIFA rankings, 54 places below the Ivorians.

    “We want to start well but with due respect to our opponents, who are very dangerous at counter attacks, we need to dominate the game.

    “They have beaten Nigeria in the qualifiers and we know they have good players especially Mama Balde, who now plays at Lyon,” the coach said.

    Nigeria has already made three forced changes to their squad due to injury.

    The injured trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar have been replaced by Alhassan Yusuf, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu, respectively.

    The Super Eagles open their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, followed by a clash with hosts

    Cote D’Ivoire on Jan. 18, and will end the group campaign with Guinea-Bissau on Jan. 22.